Division One preview: Partick Thistle v Falkirk

FALKIRK are down to the bare bones of their squad for today’s trip to Firhill.

FALKIRK are down to the bare bones of their squad for today’s trip to Firhill.

But manager Steven Pressley isn’t complaining because it will give his exciting crop of youngsters the chance to stake an early claim for next season.

Pressley has been hit by a host of injuries ahead of the game with the Jags.

He said: “We’ve got about 16 fit players in our entire squad and that includes all of our youngsters.

“There are major doubts over the likes of Kieran Duffie, Thomas Scobbie and we will need to see how Craig Sibbald is along with several others. Added to that, Stewart Murdoch is out for the rest of the season.

“But I’m not complaining because it’s a chance to blood more young players who are the long-term future of our club. We do want to finish as high as possible in the league, though.”

Falkirk are aiming to bounce back after last week’s defeat to relegation battlers Raith Rovers. The Bairns are currently holding on to third spot but Thistle would jump above them on goal difference if they win today

Pressley said: “We’ve beaten them once this season and drawn the other two games but this is a big one for both clubs in terms of our league positions.

“We want to finish the season in a positive mood. It has been a very successful campaign when you look at how we’ve progressed and we’d like to continue that.

“We’ve sat in second for the vast majority of the season and want to push on in our last two games.”

Partick Thistle skipper Alan Archibald will make his 400th appearance this afternoon and insists only a win will deliver a fitting end to his day.

He said: “The important thing is for Thistle to get the result which would lift us above Falkirk who are sitting in third place.

“We have the second best defensive record in the league and that also gives me huge satisfaction.

“Players here are still playing for new deals and that’s another important incentive.

“My contract is up at the end of the season but the manager has already assured me there will be something for me this summer.

“I just want to help the club finish this campaign as strongly as possible.”